Lesson One of the Self Defense Mini Clinic

Each lesson of this course includes videos of highly effective, street proven fighting moves that are easy to learn and simple to use.

Each installment will also include some seriously important fighting information that has taken 20 years of interviews and research with dozens of the world’s most notorious street fighters, bar bouncers, law enforcement officers, and soldiers to put together.

This stuff is solid gold. These lessons are boiled down from a 100 page book I wrote on how to fight and win. I’ve taken the most valuable life-saving lessons from it at put it into 5 short lessons.

You don’t want to miss any of this critical information.

Below is your first video, the other two videos are further down the page (my little trick to get you to read this stuff). The following technique is extremely simple and can be used by anyone with little practice.

*Note: Feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of the page. I enjoy the feedback and others may learn from your insights & thoughts. Enjoy.

Know When The Fight Is On:

Today’s lesson is meant to get you up to speed quickly. It includes the most important things you need to know to win a street fight.

The best way to win a fight is to recognize it before it has happened. Countless guys get taken out by some punk without even knowing they were in a fight (they either didn’t see it coming or didn’t want to believe they were in a fight). Don’t let this happen to you.

There are three ways to recognize a fight (other than someone punching you). There are non-verbal body language cues, verbal cues, and previous behavior (aka common sense).

Aside from getting hit there are 5 main non-verbal cues that you are about to be in a fight:

  1. The “Look Away:” During an argument the other guy suddenly looks away from you off to one side. An experienced street fighter and special ops soldier Jim West uses this cue all the time. He once told me, “If I’m in a confrontation with someone and they look to the side, it means they’re about to hit me – so I hit first.” It may seem odd but looking away is a very common, almost reflex like, reaction for many aggressors. So take Jim’s advice and hit first because if you don’t his haymaker will be sailing towards your temple.
  2. The “Finger Jab:” Someone poking you in the chest is also a big red flag. It’s a way that your opponent “tests the water” to see if you are an easy target. He’s building up his confidence and resolve, by violating your personal space. If you stand by and do nothing, it tells him, “the water’s fine… go ahead and attack this guy.” A poke in the chest, or any violation of your personal space at the initial stages of a confrontation should trigger some kind of immediate response from you.
  3. The “Shove:” Yet another classic example of violating your personal space, except this move is almost always immediately followed by a punch. You should expect very little time between the shove and the incoming blow, which of course means you need to act fast in this situation. People typically don’t push, then walk away.
  4. The “Target Gaze:” An opponent will naturally look at what he’s about to strike. Watch out for an adversary who changes his gaze from your eyes to your chin or some other obvious target. This is another one of those gifts from human nature, he can’t help but look where he is going to strike, so use that information to gain the upper hand.
  5. The “Chin Drop:” Another involuntary move that should prompt you into a decision is seeing your opponent drop his chin. This is a fairly consistent, and subconscious act of protecting the neck, it almost always means trouble.

Verbal Cues:

  1. The Threat: “I’m gonna zyx@%# you up!” This may seem so obvious that it’s not worth mentioning. And I wouldn’t mention it if my research didn’t show that MOST inexperienced fighters do nothing in the face of serious verbal threats. They often stand by and take NO action.
  2. The “Sudden Silent Treatment:” If your opponent has been talking, talking, and talking, then suddenly becomes quiet, it means he’s entered into an internal dialog on what he’s about to do to you. As FightFast instructor Demi Barbitos says: “Fighters don’t talk and swing at the same time.” In other words he is probably about to hit you.

Previous Behavior:

This one is painfully simple. If you are around someone who is known to be violent it’s pretty likely they may start a fight. Don’t play with fire. Also intoxicated men are trouble, intoxicated men with women around are even more trouble. If you get into an argument or scuffle with a drunk guy and his girlfriend or other women are around he is very likely to fight.

I’ve worked with almost a dozen bar bouncers from some of the roughest bars and nightclubs and they all know that saving face is one of the biggest causes of fights. In other words if you somehow manage to bump into, slight, or irritate a drunk guy or his girlfriend a fight is pretty likely, so be ready for it.

Now that you know how to recognize a fight before it happens I’ve got another fight move for you. This one is from professional fighter and notorious “cooler” Mike Serr. Go ahead and watch the video before moving onto the next section.

Dealing with Fear:

When it comes to fighting and learning how to fight fear is the 800 lb. gorilla in the room. Everybody knows it’s there but nobody want to talk about it.

Well like it or not I’m going to talk about it. After 20 years of working with Special Ops soldiers, SWAT cops, Cage-Fighters, Ex-Gang Enforcers, and bar bouncers, I’ve learned that all of them feel fear before a fight.

Wow, what a shocker. Fear is normal and healthy. The thing is none of these guys are scared, because they have learned to deal with that fear and make it work for them.

They have learned to harness that adrenaline dump and make it work for them, not against them.

The average guy on the street, when confronted with a life threatening fight will quickly realize the danger and the voice inside his mind will start talking a mile a minute, “Why is this happening to me? Am I going to die? What did I do to piss him off? Should I run? Should I stay and fight?” and on and on.

Letting this internal dialogue turn your fear into panic will get you hurt. Instead you have to use that fear and adrenaline to help you identify targets and take action.

The first step is to control your breathing. Slowing the pace of your breaths (inhale deeply and exhale slowly) sends a direct message to your brain that calms you down, lowers your heart rate, and lowers your blood pressure.

The next step is target awareness described below. But before we get to that here’s another video for you.

Target Awareness:

Once you know a fight is eminent you need to look for open targets to strike. To do this you must be aware of certain “high value” targets on the human body, so that when they are exposed or unprotected you know when and how to strike them for maximum damage.

Target awareness is a continuous process because as an attacker moves closer or further away from you the targets you can strike change. Below is an example of what your internal dialogue should be like once you realize a fight is coming:

“He’s approaching me — is he in range?”…
“Is there anything in his hands?”…
“What targets are open?”…
“Are there any friends around?”…
“Now… what targets are open?”…
“Is anyone behind me?”…
“What targets are open now?”…

Finally you need some basic info about what targets to strike and why, some are common sense some may surprise you:

Neck: the side of the neck is a “knock out” area. The good news is that the shoulder and head offer a natural “funnel” that’ll guide your hand directly into his neck – which means it’s a “high percentage” shot. People rarely protect their neck properly so even a poorly executed shot can often mean instant knock out.

Groin: believe it or not, research shows that most guys do NOT protect their groin. They are so “indoctrinated” with the idea that they’ll be punched in the face that they leave themselves wide open for one of the most devastating strikes. So forget about focusing so much on getting in that right hook to the head, (which he’ll be expecting), and start looking for an OPEN target.

Inside knee: very vulnerable. One good kick to the inside of the knee can end a fight instantly.

Outside thigh: a favorite target of Muay Thai fighters is the nerve running down the outside of your leg. Even a well conditioned fighter can’t stand more than a couple good shin kicks to this nerve before buckling.

Eyes: Striking the eyes is a great distraction technique. They are the main sense used during a fight, take them away for even a second and you have gained a huge advantage. An eye strike causes a person to blink involuntarily, and if scratched the eyes will water blurring vision.

There are many more targets these are just a few to get you thinking like a fighter.

Keep your eyes peeled for more free videos, in the next lesson I’ll take you inside the world of a real street fight. This is something most guys have no idea about, thanks to myths and misconceptions that often get guys hurt or killed.

Knowing what a real fight is actually like is a huge advantage.

Interested in learning “dirty fight tricks” right now?
Click here to find out how!

Next Lesson >>

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2,694 thoughts on “Lesson One of the Self Defense Mini Clinic”

  1. This is really good stuff!!!!!!
    I’m an old guy,but I used to wrestle in high school,and was a Golden Glove boxer as a young man. I don’t drink or go to bars anymore, however old people are easy targets now days. I just had my 72nd birthday and sometimes I worry about being a target just because I’m old. I can do that finger magic, I think….
    Thanks:
    Doug

    Reply

  2. This has truly intrigued me. I work in an inpatient psychiatric unit, and prior, spent most of my time reading forensic patients in maximum-security. In order for a man my size to be useful in a conflict situation, most of my techniques would have to be on the legal side, and that was unacceptable. This was one place where size truly does count, and great big men were built by fabulous are extremely welcome here, as so many of our patients are that. Two men once with 13 staff in the hospital at one time. The defense programs that most hospitals are ludicrous, and if you follow them probably will not live long. The things you show today in the very first presentation, would be wonderful in the hospital. One would have to be quite careful that it is used, it did not go to breakage, but then again, it is really how you write the reports!.

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  3. Another term for the non-verbal clues are “pre-assualt cues” (Cop Lingo). A few more of these are someone clenching and unclenching their fists, the chest bump and somone slapping or patting you (acting like your Buddy…a slap on the back or pat on the chest…all trying to “Size you Up” by getting into your Personal Space. Upon seeing these “Pre-Assualt” cues STRIKE First. Then follow up with this when the Cops arrive “Sir he was giving off Pre-Assualt Cues X, Y and Z and I Feared-For-My-Life…so I Defended myself”. My friends, Son and I have gotten out of sticky situations when speaking to Cops by using those exact words.

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  7. I’m very impressed with your content. I have been to every martial arts school in Fort Lauderdale, and have come to the conclusion that the instructors are all idiots. What am I supposed to do…strangle the attacker with my black belt??

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  9. Hi Bob
    I loved the finger breaking techniques. I can recall a numbers of times when this would have been effective if I had known about this technique.
    I am already feeling more confident
    Thanks Bob

    Reply

  14. Thank you for these videos Bob! I watched them with my husband who is now 63 years old and I’m almost 58 and because he had a military background plus had gotten into some dubious activities when he was younger he was able to verify some of what you taught and also learnt some techniques he hadn’t seen before. I hope I never need to use them but I already feel confident that there ARE things I can do to protect myself even though I am physically weak due to chronic illnesses. Thanks again for giving me access to your great videos:)

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  15. Thank you for the information. I have never been a fighter and one day it almost cost me my life. I am paying special attention to what you are teaching. I hope that I never have to use any of the techniques that you are teaching, but if I do end up needing them I will not bet left bleeding with bootprints on my face.

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  16. I was watching some of your videos and I found them to be extremely interesting, and would be grateful to learn more. Please send me all of what you have to offer. Because I must say. If I have to fight I’m looking to take the guy out as quick as possible.

    Reply

  17. I am in my 80’s and I have been around a while, but this kind of thing is “new” to me.
    I can readily see the value of this information and thanks for the videos and an education for an old Cogger like me. Even at my age, I can see the day may come when to know this information may save my life. Thanks

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  19. one word – excellent. I am a former Aust SF and this is the same teaching we use. The street smart word picture is excellent and obviously comes from experience the best teacher.This is true sheepdog attitude by teaching the flock how to protect themselves. Thank you.

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  22. Wow! I’m in my late 50s and do not have the stamina of what my mind state is still at 19 years old feels like. In reality the skills shown here are simple, quick and require much less strength needed for an older guy like me. Very impressive video’s.

    Reply

  24. Key concept is be aware of your surroundings and ready to counter the first attack goes a long way to not being a victim. The finger grab great for just belligerent or mildly intoxicated. For people high on Meth and similar drugs, they ignore pain so more debilitating techniques like the neck punch are needed to buy time to leave. Good stuff.

    Reply

  25. this kinda funny in away. I learn all this when I was bouncer/security/personal protector in company that work in concerts,hospitals, and parties.
    It worked very well,people twice my size didn’t get by me. good work putting this out as I had to go a class.

    Reply

  26. I’m very determined and enthusiastic about learning the fighting techniques…I’ve already been approached by 8 females at one time and the only instinct of course was to run…they are still around and still want to fight..I need serious help thank u for the first course ..I’ve already learned alot..can’t wait till tomorrow..I am tired of being a prisoner in my own home …

    Reply

  31. Very good information and I look forward to the next videos to come. I have also started watching Krav Maga instructional videos and these techniques are extremely brutal efficient and very fast fight stoppers. Opponents will have plenty of painful time to remember their mistakes and consider them before making them again.

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  33. Me being a smaller set guy find these videos interesting and a good source of information. Thanks for choosing me for this.

    Reply

  34. I have been a martial artist since the age of 5.I am now 54 years old and have been in many confrontations due to a job I used to do. I spent 20 years working as an asset protection/loss prevention detective and many times my training saved me during a stop. I can honestly say that what is shown in these videos is true and effective.

    Reply

  40. love the techniques you’re teaching!! It’s funny that most attackers or belligerent individuals are looking for a full on brawl, and these techniques for being able to control the situation in such a manner to minimize or prevent a situation from escalating are truly an invaluable skill indeed!

    Reply

  43. I have been an avid martial arts fanatic for as long as I remember, no formal training but I dig these “golden nuggets” every time I see them. These were especially informative and something I can even teach to my kids to help them avoid bullies. Thank you!

    Reply

  46. Thank you so much. I really appreciate all that you’re doing. Growing up, I never learned anything like this. Now, 70 years later; the way things are today; I see a great need for what you teach, so effectively well. Your instructions are clear and well demonstrated. The wife and I are seniors who will feel more confident and safer because of what you can teach us. Please keep up the good work. Thanks again.

    Reply

  48. Good info and presentation. Good reminders of some things I havent reviewed in a while. Overall excellent for beginners and the more experienced.

    Reply

  49. Sincere thanks to all for helping me and others to protect ourselves and our homes. The right to be safe & secure at all times is a forgotten, if not lost provision of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Sincerely, RAY

    Reply
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